Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - Such Sharp Teeth

The Return was my first Rachel Harrison, and while I really loved the complicated friendship dynamics in that one, the overall story was pretty underwhelming. THIS BOOK, though? This blew me out of the water.

Ginger Snaps is possibly one of my favorite movies of all time, and Rachel Harrison really took that story and built on it for a new werewolf story for adult women instead of teens. We've got heavy sexual assault allegory here with the werewolf attack and how our main character has to go on with her life afterward, and then also some really good trauma rep and the ways that society treats women.

As a survivor, all of this rang incredibly true for me, especially the complicated relationship with her mom? Ugh. I had to take a break in the middle; it just got too real at times. Love love love everything about this. Must buy myself a copy to annotate immediately.

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kat1105's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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apoppyinthewind's review

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dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

When I first heard the synopsis for this book, it gave me 'Ginger Snaps' vibes and how could it not? Two sisters, one of them dealing with the aftermath of violent animal attack and strange bodily changes? There are differences, of course. These sisters are adults, there is far less suicidal idealization, and happily no dogs were harmed in this story. Like Ginger Snaps, it does delve into the theme of bodily changes compared to a werewolf transformation except in this case the comparison is to pregnancy instead of menstruation.

Twin sisters Scarlett & Rory are both dealing with their bodies changing. With Scarlett, it's the later months of pregnancy. For Rory, it's in the aftermath of her mysterious attack bringing on strange cravings, a change in smell, and some horrific body horror elements. Not to mention a fuck ton of trauma. It's not just the werewolf wounds Rory has to deal with, being back in her hometown also brings past familial & sexual abuse trauma.

Yet, despite the heavy topics and body horror, the author also brings in elements of humor and even a little romance that gels well with the story and gives a nice respite at times. I already have plans to pick more of their work because I enjoyed this so much and I foresee myself re-reading this again in the future.

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Rachel Harrison’s newest horror takes a refreshingly modern approach to werewolf lore that, I have to admit pleasantly surprised me.

Full of dark humour and a loveably snarky protagonist,Such Sharp Teeth explores trauma, rage, and the often complex road to recovery through a paranormal (and feminist) lens that definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

The viscerally grotesque imagery was really good and definitely stayed true to the genre, though do brace yourself if you’re even remotely squeamish as it’s not pretty. I must admit I was a little grossed out by some of the descriptions (particularly that horrifyingly detailed rat scene.)

However, the intensity and depth of emotions packed into these scenes—both in the aftermath of the attack and Rory’s first transformation—really resonated with me and will definitely appeal to anyone who loves flawed, nuanced characters confronting and overcoming the obstacles in their life.

I absolutely loved Rory, who is one of the most nuanced and complex protagonists I’ve ever encountered. Having reluctantly agreed to temporarily move back to her hometown (and live) with her pregnant sister (who recently split from her long term boyfriend), Rory finds herself struggling to cope with the resurfacing memories of her past trauma and the relationships that have become strained as a result—and made infinitely more complicated by her new (secret) life as a werewolf.

Honestly, having found out what Rory had to go through as a child, I totally understood her frustration and rage, particularly at her mother. And though she managed to find the strength and fortitude to embark on the journey of self-acceptance and healing, I don’t think I could be nearly so forgiving had I been in Rory’s position.

Ian, however was an absolute cinnamon roll and I loved how patient he was with Rory throughout her dark and painful emotional crises. Watching their flirtation and relationship slowly unfold was just a genuine delight and only added to the swoon-worthiness.

Overall, a fiercely witty, ferociously feminist and heartfelt horror that’s perfect for newbies to the genre or anyone looking for something spooky to devour.

Also, thank you to Titan books for the finished copy

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little_bean's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Grabbed this randomly at Barnes and it was an amazing surprise. I was worried it was going to read like a cheesy YA romance novel but it was extremely well balanced and more focused on the MC coping with the string of events going on than the actual fact that she had been turned into a werewolf.
I felt it was well paced with a fairly satisfying ending. A few things weren't wrapped up in the best way in my opinion, but I wasn't left wanting either.
Overall, my favorite book of the year so far.

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bookishvicky's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I loved how this book equated lycanthropy to the hurt and trauma women are just expected to carry. I also liked the parallel between Rory’s becoming a werewolf and Scarlett’s pregnancy in terms of women fighting to control their bodies. There’s so much womanhood and pain and hurt in this book and I loved it. Go women! Go werewolves!

But I did find this to be super fast-paced, and I felt like the romance subplot took up a lot of the book. I loved Rory though. I love a feral woman protagonist who isn’t afraid to howl at the moon and get what she wants. I just feel like everything could have been a bit more fleshed out—other than that, a solid read.

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